Chelsea Join Race For Benfica Starlet

Current Premier League table toppers Chelsea have entered the race for the signature of Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo.

The youngster has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United, as Jose Mourinho was believed to be keen on bringing in Semedo to replace his in-from right-back Antonio Valencia – who the Portuguese recently descried as the best RB in the world.

But despite being linked with the Old Trafford club for two successive transfer windows, no move has materialized as of yet. And taking latest reports into consideration, it looks like the Red Devils will now have more competition for the 23-year-old’s signature, due to Jose’s former club joining the pursuit.

According to Portuguese media outlet Record, Blues’ boss Antonio Conte is eager to surpass the likes of Manchester United as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the race for the young Portuguese international’s signature.

Benfica value Semedo around £34.5 million – a sum that Chelsea can cough out easily, given their recent big-money sale of Oscar to the Chinese Super League.

However, as per the defender’s recent comments following Benfica’s win over Pacos de Ferreira on Thursday, all of the interested parties could very well face a major blow in their pursuit.

“You can rest easy,” Semedo was quoted as saying following the victory. “I’m completely focused on Benfica and I’m hoping to continue here for many years to come.”

Benfica’s starlet may have publicly committed his future to his club for now, but when an European powerhouse comes knocking, offering title guarantees and an unbelievable amount of money, it is as good as impossible to refuse the unrefusable offer.

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Updated 25th May 2018

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